The Challenge of Commanding with Limited Tools

At Tablet Command, we believe information should move as fast as your response. That’s why we developed Incident Sharing- a feature designed to enhance situational awareness and coordination across agencies. It’s built to keep everyone aligned- before, during, and after the call.

When departments merge, unifying tactics can be one of the hardest parts. That was the challenge facing Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority- a Washington agency responsible for more than 260,000 residents and 120 square miles of coverage, built through multiple consolidations.

Legacy vs. Modern Response

Tablet Command supports crews and command staff throughout every stage of a response- from the moment a call is dispatched to the final documentation of an incident. Here are ten operational advantages that show how.

In the fire service, staying connected is not just important- it’s critical. Connectivity enables accurate location tracking, situational awareness, and real-time updates, giving crews the information they need to make informed decisions in dynamic environments.

Today’s structure fires aren’t the same ones your grandparents- or even your parents- faced 50 years ago. After World War II, most homes were filled with furnishings made from natural materials like solid wood, cotton, and wool. These fuels ignited more slowly, released less heat, and gave firefighters time to get under the smoke to make the rescue or put the fire out.

Accountability on the fireground isn’t just about checklists or callouts. It’s about knowing- without hesitation- who’s doing what, where they are, and whether everyone is safe. After a close call during a major fire, Evanston Fire Department (EFD) realized it was time to re-evaluate their approach to incident command and communication. What followed was a complete shift in how they manage scenes, powered by Tablet Command.

Clear communication has always been the backbone of effective emergency response. But as the pace and complexity of incidents increase, so does the demand for tools that can keep up. From rapidly shifting conditions to multi-agency coordination, today’s responders are turning to digital platforms to bring clarity, speed, and shared situational awareness to the field.

Public safety agencies operate in complex environments where split-second decisions and sensitive information go hand in hand. Whether responding to structure fires, large-scale incidents, or daily emergencies, the tools responders use must be fast, reliable, and secure.